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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Shopping with Purpose this Holiday Season

If Christmas is anything, it's a time to declare some good news. Friends, I have some today. There's a growing list of companies in our world who are providing creative products, caring for their employees, empowering the powerless, and responsibly stewarding this beautiful planet. These companies are helping consumers honor and respect the people behind the products we're buying. They are guaranteeing that the laborer is not robbed of their wages and that child labor and slave labor are absent from their supply chains.

A world filled with justice? Where every person knows their worth? A celebration of creativity and joy? Peace and goodwill to all? That feels like Christmas.

Will you spend some time browsing beautiful, hand-made products on these websites? Most of these companies are empowering and educating women. Some are small businesses using a percentage of their profits to fund adoptions. All of these companies are providing well-made gifts we can be proud to give this Christmas.Just one fair trade purchase from every American churchgoer this Christmas would lift one million families out of poverty for one whole year.Just One. -- From Trade as One

Thanks for this list! Jumping in here late to mention byTavi, a program of the Center for Global Impact in Cambodia (www.bytavi.com). In the fight against sex trafficking, they train women to make beautiful purses, scarves, and other items, which allow them to make a living wage and provide for their families.